Homemade Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich Recipe

When Panera Bread introduced the Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich, I knew I had to recreate this delightful dish in my own kitchen. The idea of transforming the tender, flaky layers of a buttery croissant into a robust sandwich bread intrigued me immensely.

How to make Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich

The Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich is a new addition to Panera Bread’s menu. This innovative sandwich features a unique “Croissant Toast” bread—a buttery, flaky croissant dough baked into a sliced, toastable loaf. It combines the rich, layered texture of a croissant with the convenience of sandwich bread, providing a crisp crust and tender interior.

Ingredients:

For the Croissant Dough:

• 1 cup of warm whole milk (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, thinly sliced

For the Sandwich Filling (Croque Monsieur Style):

• Thinly sliced Black Forest ham
• Sliced provolone cheese
• Sliced asiago cheese
• 1/2 cup caramelized onions
• Gruyère or a similar cheese, grated

For the Garlic Aioli:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Arugula or any other greens as preferred

Instructions:

Make the Croissant Dough:

1. Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix until it forms a dough.
3. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle. Distribute the slices of cold butter over the top 2/3 of the dough. Fold the dough into thirds, starting with the non-buttered third.
4. Turn the dough 90 degrees and roll out again into a rectangle. Fold into thirds again. Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Repeat the rolling and folding two more times, chilling the dough for an hour between each fold. Chill overnight.

Prepare the Aioli:

1. Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.

Assemble the Sandwich:

1. Roll out the croissant dough and cut into large rectangles. Toast lightly if desired for extra texture.
2. Spread a thin layer of garlic aioli on each piece of croissant toast.
3. Layer the ham, provolone, asiago, and caramelized onions in one piece. Sprinkle some grated gruyère on top.
4. Close the sandwich with another piece of croissant toast.

Cook the Sandwich:

1. Preheat a pan over medium heat. Butter the outside of the sandwich or use a non-stick spray.
2. Grill the sandwich on the pan, pressing down occasionally until the cheese is melted and the croissant is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Tips:

• Butter Layering: Ensure the butter is cold during the layering process as it helps create those distinct, flaky layers in the croissant.
• Sandwich Assembly: Don’t overload the sandwich; keep the layers manageable to ensure even cooking.
• Grilling: If available, use a heavy skillet or a panini press to get the perfect crunch and even melting of the cheese.

What to serve with

Pairing the right side dishes with your homemade Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich can transform a simple meal into an extravagant feast. Considering the sandwich’s rich and savory flavors, you want sides that complement yet refresh the palate.

1. Creamy Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the smooth, tangy goodness of tomato soup balances the buttery richness of the croissant wonderfully. Opt for a creamy version to add a luxurious texture. A sprinkle of basil and a drizzle of cream can elevate the soup, making it a perfect sidekick to your gourmet sandwich.

2. Crisp Apple Salad: For something lighter, a crisp apple salad with mixed greens offers a refreshing contrast. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and a dressing of apple cider vinegar and olive oil to tie it all together. The sweetness of the apples, paired with the sharpness of the greens, makes this salad a delightful counterpart.

3. Sweet potato fries are a fabulous way to introduce a sweet and salty element to your meal. Their sweet taste and crispy texture provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy and savory flavors of the sandwich. Serve with a simple aioli or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.

4. Pickled Vegetables: A jar of pickled vegetables can be a fantastic accompaniment. The acidity and crunch of pickled cucumbers, carrots, or radishes cut through the fat, enlightening your taste buds. Plus, they add a pop of color and a boost of probiotics to your meal!

5. Creamy Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tanginess that perfectly complements the richness of the sandwich. Use a light, mayo-based dressing to not overpower the sandwich’s flavors. Adding a hint of mustard or apple cider vinegar to the coleslaw can further enhance this balance.

6. Zesty Quinoa Salad: For a healthier side, a zesty quinoa salad loaded with fresh vegetables and a lemony dressing can be quite invigorating. Add some feta or goat cheese for a touch of creaminess, and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to lift the flavors.

7. Vegetable Chips: Beet, carrot, or kale chips offer a crunchy and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. They can add a burst of color and a variety of flavors that aren’t just delicious but also visually appealing on the side of your plate.

8. Seasonal Fruit Platter: Sometimes, simplicity wins. A platter of seasonal fruits, carefully selected for ripeness and flavor, can be a refreshing end to the meal. It’s light, healthy, and provides a sweet note that contrasts beautifully with the savory sandwich.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of the Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich allows flexibility, especially when you need to substitute some ingredients due to availability, dietary restrictions, or personal preferences.

Base Ingredient: Croissant

• Standard Substitute: Brioche or challah bread. These options preserve the rich, buttery flavor that complements the other filling ingredients well.
• Gluten-Free Option: Gluten-free croissants or artisan gluten-free bread. Many bakeries now offer gluten-free versions that mimic the texture and taste of traditional croissants.
• Healthier Option: Whole wheat croissants or multi-grain artisan bread. These provide more fiber and a denser texture.

Egg

• Egg Substitute for Allergies/Vegan Option: Tofu scramble can be seasoned with turmeric, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of black salt (kala namak) for an egg-like flavor and color. Chickpea flour batter is another great alternative for making an omelet-style filling.
• Different Cooking Styles: Depending on personal preference, you can opt for scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or even poached eggs if you prefer a runnier yolk.

Cheese (typically Gouda, Cheddar, or a similar type)

• Substitute for Lactose Intolerance: Non-dairy cheese such as vegan cheddar or gouda, which can be found in most supermarkets. Look for brands that melt well.
• Different Cheese Options: If you simply want to vary the flavor, try alternatives like Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, or a smoked provolone for added depth.

Meat (typically ham or bacon)

• Vegetarian/Vegan Substitute: Smoked tofu slices, tempeh bacon, or a plant-based ham or bacon alternative can provide a similar savory profile without the meat.
• Different Meat Options: For a different taste and texture, you can use turkey bacon, chicken sausage slices, or even prosciutto.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy this Panera Croissant Toast Sandwich with a side of your choice or a simple salad for a truly satisfying meal. This sandwich not only delivers fantastic flavors but also brings the essence of Panera’s innovation into your home kitchen.

More Sandwich Recipes: 

• Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich Recipe
• Starbucks Egg, Pesto & Mozzarella Sandwich Recipe